A Sweet Celebration

Many have asked for birthday pictures; and while we did not have a large party, I realized that we have a little girl who is well loved and hardly forgotten, party or not.  Over the last couple of weeks, gifts and cards came through the mail, through friends at work and church, and through family.  Combining all of that with the plethora of facebook comments and email wishes for a Happy Birthday still made for quite the event in our household on Saturday evening.  

Although she cannot eat cake (especially since she is still barely taking one teaspoon of stage one baby food each day), we could not forgo the traditional birthday pictures and so made cupcakes for the occasion.

She was fascinated with the flickering flame as Tom lit her candle; but thankfully, she did not try to touch it as we snapped pictures.

We did give her a little taste of the frosting, but it was NOT a hit (which gives great hope to this momma who would much prefer to have a pie-loving buddy in this house, since Daddy is all.about.cake!).  

Opening gifts was a bit hilarious since we had to wipe most things down before she could touch them, but she was patient and never knew the difference.  She received so many thoughtful things (and we tried to capture pictures of everything, although some of them are far too fuzzy to post since she was enjoying them so much!).... 

A stuffed dog from Grandpa & Grandma Wagner (the only clear picture of it we could capture)...

A printed picture and thoughtful poem written for her by Lorraine Woodle...

Lots of books from Aunt Donna...

The cutest ever socks and a warm fuzzy sleeper from Grandpa & Grandma Aguiar...

Special wool socks made in Colorado from Uncle Denny & Aunt Susan...

A beautiful, soft coat & matching headband from PaPa & MaMa Boyer...

 A large teddy bear from Helzberger's (who sent it for her after my Mom shopped there for this occasion)...

(Loves ribbon....)

 A keepsake charm bracelet from Grandma McDowell to be able to add charms through the years...

 A nativity set from Grandma McDowell (notice that she is sitting up all by herself...another MILESTONE reached!!!)....

And finally, Tom's thoughtful co-workers collaborated together to get her a few special things to mark this momentous occasion.  The first gift has already generated much discussion in this household as to how it will be handled (Daddy especially is very particular on how, when, and where this will be used, for which Mommy is VERY grateful), but she was quite taken with it and would have kept playing with it until we took her to bed!

(Aunt Kayla, I know this will make you proud!!)...

...and one of the other gifts caused smiles to cross all of our faces.  Perhaps, this product will just do the trick for us through this next year.  Thank you, Honda Flight Test Team!!

So although we were not physically surrounded with people on this joyous occasion, we still felt and experienced the love and encouragement of so many through your cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, and comments.  It was a celebration, regardless of the circumstances, and we truly appreciate you joining with us.  We thank God for this first year with Noelle; and while it has been incredibly difficult through many days, we would not trade one moment of the time He has allowed us with her.  We look forward to this next year and watching Him continue to grow her and use her for His glory.